In the land of Equestria south of the bustling aristocratic metropolis of Canterlot sits a quaint little town of Ponyville. Although tiny in size it is rich in spirit and vigor. During the day, young fillies and colts play and go to the local schoolhouse to learn while the older ponies shop and run errands as they go about their daily routine. Largely free to pursue their lives as they see fit, the denizens of Ponyville live in a largely democratic society where matters of larger importance are handled by the local Mayor Mare whose bright smile, and cheerful demeanor always reassures the populace that despite the occasional dark entity or god of chaos, they can count on her to keep everything running smoothly.
Many cheerful faces can be found around the town from Cheerilee the local school teacher who teaches the bright future minds of pony-kind to young Aloe and Lotus, the twin sisters who run a rather high-class spa that attracts customers as far as Manehattan and possibly beyond. Pretty much everypony is acquainted with one another in someway or another, however two ponies stand out as rather unique pair. Living together in a house just south of Sugarcube Corner, these two mares are known to be the closest of friends despite being polar opposites. Ponies who have spoken with them will concur that they are inseparable and whether you are hanging around one or both of them, the visit will be one to remember. How they became so close, none know... as their past is shrouded in mystery... though one thing is for certain, they were like family.
As on any other standard day at the Ponyville Medical Center the purr of medical equipment and the hustle and bustle of medical personnel fills the air. A young unicorn mare is sitting on the examination table waiting patiently for her provider to come in. It was a typical visit, a young nurse took her vitals and did rudimentary examination of her body. Her health checked out perfectly. Now all that needed to be done...
“How are you doing sweetie? Mommy loves you yes she does.” the young peach mare coos rubbing her protruding belly with her hoof. She was 8 months pregnant with her 2nd foal. As she sat there a young gray violet eyed no more than 2 years, her first born climbs up on a chair and hops up on the table.
The little ONE reaches out her tiny hoof“ Mommy, can I touch your tummy? I wanna feel sissy kick again?”
Her mother chuckled nodding at her to go ahead, “Octavia... I told you, the doctor does not know if the baby is a boy or girl.”
“I know but I REALLY REALLY want a sister so we can play together.”
“You can play with a little brother too Tavi.”
“I know... but boys cant act soapfishycated..” She stuck her tongue out at such a hard word as her mother scrunched her face trying to contain her laugh.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* A voice rang from the other side of the door “Miss Symphony Sonata it's Doctor Tender Love.” The door opens and in steps a young unicorn. So everything with the examination checked out, you ad your baby are both as healthy as can be.”
“Im gonna be a big sister!” little Octavia says with a beaming faceand waving her hooves in the air. “Im gonna help mommy and be the best big sister EVER!”
Tender Love gives the little filly a pat on the head and turns to the Symphony. “I want to see you again in a few weeks. Also I know you want to earn money but I highly suggest you take it easy for the next month. I know you have a month but the baby could come anyday, and you dont want to cause undue stress to the little one.”
She gives a weak smile, “Yes doctor, I'll... try...” as she gently climbs down from the table, but we both know how hard a promise that is keep.”
She walks by and heads toward the exit. “Come sweetie, Mommy has to cook dinner soon.” Octavia quickly rushes to her mother's side as the mare turns to Tender Love. “Thank you Doctor, have a good day.
As the two of them walked out of the building, the sky was a desolate gray overcast. It seems that Firefly had the weather team set up another rainstorm to help water the crops down at Sweet Apple Acres. With it being so close to winter, it made sense to keep the food that would hold the town over well watered. Symphony used her magic and opened a rather large umbrella to keep them dry in case the rain began before they made it home.
As they walked a lot filled her mind... finances were tight as it is as a single mother of one. She told herself two years prior when Octavia was born she would never again have a foal without being sure the stallion would not run out on her again... however a second selfish stallion ran out on his paternal responsibility. Fool me once shame on you... fool me twice shame on me... now she has another young one on the way.
“Mommy I'm hungry! Can we have a hayburger?”
“Not tonight sweetie maybe another next week.” she smiled knowing that the reality o that was very slim to none. A gnawing audible grumble resonated from her stomach. Food had always bee an issue as her daughter normally came first and still did, but not she had to eat for two. Although she had been pulling extra time at her two jobs for more bits, it never seemed to be enough. Symphony remained strong for her daughter, but at night she would often curl up in bed and cry herself to sleep.
“Please Celestia let there still be some food left.” she said to herself as they stepped inside their home.